SDRC sponsored the JDRF summer picnic with American Ninja Warrior and t1d Kyle Cochran on June 2, 2018 at the Mayfield Soccer Complex in Palo Alto. There was an obstacle course and potluck picnic for children and families living with type 1 diabetes to show off their strengths and prove they have what it takes to manage diabetes. It was also a chance to connect with Bay Area families, meet a celebrity, and prove your athletic prowess while living active with type one diabetes. Kyle spoke about his initial diagnosis and his life since then. He talked about his training for and participation in the TV series – American Ninja Warrior – and inspired young bay area t1d kids to consider diabetes as their coach for life instead of an impediment to life. Kyle talked about how like Type One Diabetes, these activities are physically and emotionally trying on the toughest of athletes – but they are never impossible. Everett Meyer of SDRC spoke about research efforts at SDRC particularly highlighting the Islet Transplantation program (SPIRIT) and the ECHO project. There was an obstacle course and age dependent competitions with winners being announced at the end of the picnic.